Sunday, December 30, 2012

Summary: In an alternate steampunk
past, three girls work as assistants to powerful London society men.
Mainly they're ignored, seen as ornaments rather then thinking, you
know, people. But, as these things often happen, they keep running
into each other, as well as the dead bodies in a string of connected
murders. There's (and yes, I'm doing the listing format a lot now.
It's useful when describing several characters.) :

-Cora, who works for Lord White who
when he's not working in parliament is a inventor of deranged
weapons, a former flower seller with a nasty temper,

-Nellie the flirty magicians assistant
who can pick any lock and scale any building,

-And finally Michiko an immigrant from
Japan who has no choice but to work for her horrible boss in a job
because it's the only way she'll be allowed to fight.

So it's up to these intrepid three to
save the day, have some fun, and kick some serious-

Review: Okay, I'll admit. I'm biased.
It's a steampunk book! So if you're not in the mood for gadgets,
goggles, and gizmos, though I know almost no one who isn't, you might
like this book slightly less. The characters are varied and each of
the girls has a distinctly different personality rather then the
sadly prominent cookie-cutter generic brand to satisfy all, which
ends up leaving everyone feeling 'meh'. Also, it's funny so there's
that too. Once again, unfortunately, my favorite part was something
that will ruin the book if I say it... so... twiddling our thumbs
here. Okay, it was kind of annoying how all of them were constantly
described as being pretty. Yes, that probably got you places in
London society, yes, it's a fantasy, yes, I'm all for a positive body
image, yes it makes sense in Nellies case, but I'd like more books
where the heroine either a) just, you know, isn't described as either
ugly or pretty and I bring up the ugly thing because dear Lord (Note:
Doesn't happen in this book, another positive thing) if I read b) the
hero tell her she's ever so pretty and it turns out she's secretly
the most beautiful thing in the world ever.

Okay. Off topic. This is a good book,
if with minor faults and I suggest trying it.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

3.5 – Um... Like melted lemon ice
mixed with Lemonada? That doesn't really sound good, but it is in
book form.

Summary: In the far off future Service
Bringers live in ELs, or Endless Libraries, where they roam without
purpose and read the banned books that line the shelves. The story
follows four teenagers (and someone else) and their quest to escape.

Lilly, who wants to feel like a real
person and not just some mindless slave.

Sam, who is probably insane (and
without a doubt Lemon's favorite character) and is desperate to
escape, no matter what.

Dolores, the youngest kid in the
group, remembering what happened as an old woman on her deathbed.

And finally Virginia, who is the only
one with memories about the world outside the library and who
possibly knows more then she's writing down.

This story is interestingly told
through interviews, journal entries, and letters from the future.

Review: This story is only about
10,000 words, putting it in the short story category, but it's one
heck of a ride. Alright, sadly one of my biggest enjoyments out of
this was something I can't talk about (“Spoilers, darling”) but
the story is good without that. While I admit my favorite character,
as mentioned earlier, is Sam there are some other good ones in there.
And I might be biased to crazy people who scream at books... not that
I'm one of those people or anything. It has some great moments of
comedy and some actual drama to, sometimes within a hundred words of
each other. This books small faults stem mainly from hints, namely
that infuriating feeling where you're trying to figure out a puzzle
and two of the corner pieces are missing. The set up is great, the
middle lags a bit, and the ending requires some though and tracing
back the clues. Another thing is that some things aren't explained
too much, but they're a minor part of the plot so it doesn't affect
the overall story. All in all, a great way to pass winter break as
you try to figure out what's outside the library.

Okay, this isn't a review, it's sort of a prequel thing. Lots has happened since we last updated, not the least of which was Lemon switching schools and doing Nanowrimo (and failing at doing so). A review will be up shortly, but we want to take this chance to apologize to anyone who emailed us. We haven't checked it in forever and will soon be doing the Great Unearthing. So please don't be mad!

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Summary: Adam wants to live a normal
life, but being the lead guitarist for Jamieson gets in the way of
that. When an extended break comes up in the schedule, he doesn't
hesitate to go to a photography camp, even though it requires him
lying about who he is.

Marti's father is a hard-living rock
star who wasn't able to take care of her, leading her to live with
her grandmother. She hates pretty much all musicians and refuses to
let herself play piano because it reminds her of him. When she meets
Adam at camp, sparks fly. However, when she finds out his secret
she's angry. Furious, in fact. But when something happens that turns
he life around completely, she might need Adam more then she
suspects.

Review: This book's strongest points
were when it came to the main characters. Even the actions that
weren't exactly the smartest made sense from the point of view. Marti
grew and changed, though one of the few annoying parts of the book
was how she hated rock stars (mainly her father) like the plague and,
because of that, most of the romantic tension is how much she
believes all rockers suck and refuses to believe Adam is an
exception. Another minor annoyance was the oldest brother in the band
and how he continued to not have a heart. But he's one of the main
villain's, so what can you do? It was fun to see the characters from
the previous book and the ending was truly happy as well as
unexpected. I laughed, I felt bad for the characters and I didn't see
plot twists coming from a mile away. This series is definitely on my
list of ones to stalk for new releases.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Summary: Libby's life is one horrible accident after another. First her mother and sister die. Then her depressive dad abandons her to his sister-in-law, who refuses for her to have contact with her peers. She's pretty much fine living as a recluse (or at least tells herself she's fine) whose closest sorta-friend is the guidance counselor at her school, until one day she meets Peter. All she knows is that he's in a band, lives on a bus for some reason and is the sanest-slash-cutest thing in her life. What she doesn't know is that he's in the famous boy band Jamieson and is on tour with his brothers and parents. Both of them use the other as an anchor. However, forces (such as Libby's crazy aunt and Peter's controlling brother) end up separating the two. Worse yet Libby loses her aunt too and has to move again, meaning that Peter and her missing father are stripped of any possibility of finding her.

Review: This book was good in how it made me care about the characters. Everyone in the book was rounded out, making up for the sometimes all-out evilness of the villains (though I can attest that some people are completely evil). It also accepted the real world, not what I call Romance Novel Real Life. This is where the book sort've just gives up and screams “Okay! We've got a happily ever after no matter the logical fallacies!” That was pretty much my only fear of the book (second to 'like that disney movie?', which it wasn't). The side characters were compelling and Libby really grows through the story, going from a introvert girl who doesn't question her aunts rules and dreams of being whisked away to someone who realizes she can't just rely on others to support her. Both the main characters make choices that leave the audience going “why?”, but they're in love so they're liable to do stupid stuff.

Date: April 19 OnlyThe Event: Fill up your Kindle and get your children reading this summer with these 15 books, free on Kindle only on April 19 during the Give Your Child A Free Kindle Book (or 15 of Them!) Promotion. The list includes picture books, middle grade novels, and young adult books spanning a range of topics from sports, to paranormal, to historical, to educational. Selected books include the Florida Historical Society's Best Children's book of its year, books that have been recommended in Best Books for Young Teen Readers Grades 7-10 and in an edition of Children's Book of the Year compiled by the Child Study Children's Book Committee in New York City, and a finalist in the Valley Forge Romance Writers Sheila contest and in the Florida Romance Writers Golden Palm contest.We also have two bonus books which will be free on that day and can be downloaded in the e-book format of your choice. The authors in the promotion have been published by houses such as Scholastic, Dell, HarperCollins, Simon Pulse, Avon, E.P. Dutton, Millbrook, Lerner, and St. Martin's Minotaur, and have written for Broadway, to name a few of their accomplishments. Don't miss this one-day exclusive offer to give your child an e-book (or many e-books!) Adult readers will find much to enjoy on this list also. The Books: (Bloggers, please feel free to use your Amazon affiliate links)Captain Morgana Mason by Dorothy Francis - Gramp falls ill. Morgana and her younger brother, Seth take charge of the family's sponging business, using their small boat to hook sponges from the sea and sell them. Housekeeper, Goldie, adds humor and wisdom to the tale. You'll root for Morgana as she seeks her strengths and grapples with the adult world. The Florida Historical Society voted this book as the best Children's book of its year.http://www.amazon.com/Captain-Morgana-Mason-ebook/dp/B003VIWPHO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1333210644&sr=8-2ASIN: B003VIWPHODark Before Dawn by Stacy Juba - When teen psychic Dawn Christian gets involved with a fortuneteller mentor and two girls who share her mysterious talents, she finally belongs after years of being a misfit. When she learns her new friends may be tied to freak “accidents” in town, Dawn has an important choice to make – continue developing the talent that makes her special or challenge the only people who have ever accepted her.http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Before-Dawn-ebook/dp/B005PG7SXG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1333210686&sr=1-1ASIN: B005PG7SXGFace-Off by Stacy Juba: Brad’s twin brother T.J. has gotten himself out of the fancy prep school his father picked for him and into the public high school Brad attends. The whole school is rooting for a big double-strength win…not knowing that their twin hockey stars are heating up the ice for a winner takes all face-off. Included in the reference guide Best Books for Young Teen Readers Grades 7-10 and recommended by the Hockey Hall of Fame Junior Education Program. http://www.amazon.com/Face-Off-Book-One-ebook/dp/B005LQ99F0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1333210722&sr=1-1ASIN: B005LQ99F0Einstein The Lazy Kitty by Renae Rae - This 30-page story is inspired by Renae Rae's real-life lazy kitty. Einstein The Lazy Kitty, combines rhythmic writing and colorful illustrations to make this a short, fun book for all ages but it was designed with your toddler and early reader in mind.http://www.amazon.com/Einstein-Lazy-Kitty-Childrens-ebook/dp/B007DR41MQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1333210773&sr=1-1ASIN: B007DR41MQTeddy Bear Town Children's E-Book Bundle (Three Complete Picture Books)by Stacy Juba - Immerse your child in the gentle world of teddy bears with three picture books in one download. Each of these bedtime stories is fully illustrated with simple illustrations of teddy bear families. Includes The Flag Keeper, Victoria Rose and the Big Bad Noise, and Sticker Shoes. The Midwest Book Review on The Flag Keeper: "Excellent educational book filled with information all American children should know."http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-E-Book-Complete-Picture-ebook/dp/B0071OHVD2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1333210821&sr=1-1ASIN: B0071OHVD2The Worldwide Dessert Contest: Enhanced Multimedia Edition by Dan Elish - Pancakes that turn into trampolines, attacking caramel apples, roller-skating pies, are all a part of The Worldwide Dessert Contest: Enhanced Multimedia Edition by Dan Elish, a lip-smacking middle grade fantasy with an original musical score by a Broadway veteran embedded alongside the text! After losing to a cheat for the past eleven years, will chef Applefeller finally manage to nab the prize?http://www.amazon.com/The-Worldwide-Dessert-Contest-ebook/dp/B005PR4LB2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1333210862&sr=1-1ASIN: B005PR4LB2Savage Cinderella by PJ Sharon - Eighteen-year-old Brinn Hathaway has survived on her own in the Northwest High Country of Georgia since she was left for dead in a shallow grave by the man who kidnapped her as a child. When a young nature photographer, Justin Spencer, catches the wild girl on film and the two form a tentative friendship, Brinn must decide if coming out of hiding is worth the hope-and the danger-that may await her.http://www.amazon.com/Savage-Cinderella-ebook/dp/B007JPBEGS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1333210932&sr=1-1ASIN: B007JPBEGSAshlyn's Radio by Wilson Doherty (Norah Wilson and Heather Doherty) - When circumstances force 17-y-o Ashlyn Caverhill to move to her grandma's in Maine, she's PO'd. Although it boasts the hot Caden Williams, she thinks Prescott Junction is the deadest place ever. She may be right. Not only does a ghost train roll through at night, but the Caverhill-cursed radio Ashlyn finds foretells that she'll board it! With Caden's help, she must find a way to escape her fate.http://www.amazon.com/Ashlyns-Radio-ebook/dp/B0056O2D2S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1333210965&sr=1-1ASIN: B0056O2D2SDark Ascension: A Demon Anthology by N.R. Wick - Keep a flashlight handy. This collection of short stories for young adults is sure to draw out whatever's skulking in the shadows. From supernatural entities, to crazed monsters, to disturbing discoveries, evil is lurking 'round every corner. Delve into the dark recesses of this creepy book… if you dare.http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Ascension-Demon-Anthology-ebook/dp/B006NG8K4I/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1333211016&sr=1-1ASIN: B006NG8K4IPractice Cake by Dalya Moon - There's one thing Maddie Bird (18) finds more tempting than red velvet cake: her coworker, Drew. All it takes is one of his sly winks or a playful hip-check by the cooler, and she's incinerating the cookies. Her boyfriend would not approve. When a reality TV crew descends upon the bakery, her simple summer job gets even more complicated.http://www.amazon.com/Practice-Cake-Life-Saltwater-ebook/dp/B005Y1APLY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1333211140&sr=1-1ASIN: B005Y1APLYAway from Whipplethorn by A.W. Hartoin - Tiny fairies. Huge adventure. Matilda is about to get what she’s always wanted, and it’s a bad thing. Being a babysitter isn’t much of a dream, but Matilda is anything but average. She’s half a centimeter tall, invisible to the human eye, and hearing-impaired. In her life, adventures are in short supply, but there is a emergency list for her first job. The only problem; humans aren’t on the list. http://www.amazon.com/Away-From-Whipplethorn-ebook/dp/B007J68WNK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1333211203&sr=1-1ASIN: B007J68WNKGrammar Candy by Katrina Streza - Have you ever wondered what exactly an adjective was? Drawn a blank when your child asked for help with English grammar homework? In Grammar Candy, the second book by educator Katrina Streza, Danny and Sam are back for another candy-filled learning adventure. This time, they'll turn a grammar lesson into some sweet fun when they visit Mr. Candor's Candy Shop and learn about nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs and more. For candy-loving kids in grades 1-3 (and their parents too)! http://www.amazon.com/Grammar-Candy-Stories-Readers-ebook/dp/B00759NK6U/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1333211251&sr=1-1ASIN: B00759NK6UDoctor: Discover Series Picture Book for Kids by Xist PublishingWho likes going to the doctor? Who wants their child to grow up to be a doctor?Whether you're looking to alleviate anxiety or plant the suggestion early, DOCTOR features 25 full-color photos of doctors, nurses and medical equipment.Like other titles in the Kindle Kids Library from Xist Publishing, DOCTOR has been formatted to take advantage of the Kindle, Kindle Fire and Kindle apps for phones, tablets and computers.http://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Discover-Series-Library-ebook/dp/B007A9TLN6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1333211329&sr=1-1ASIN: B007A9TLN6Time to Get Ready, Bunny! by Brenda Ponnay - It's time to get ready, Bunny! Bunny? BUNNY? In this charming little book, author/illustrator Brenda Ponnay has artfully depicted the morning routine of so many families. Whether your little one would rather stay in bed, play with toys, or try on every outfit in the closet, this book is sure to resonate with parents. http://www.amazon.com/Time-Get-Ready-Bunny-ebook/dp/B0079TVPS6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1333211365&sr=1-1ASIN: B0079TVPS6Don't miss the free bonus books, compatible with many types of e-readers! The Pea Soup Poisonings by Nancy Means Wright - To get into her brother's Spy Club, Zoe must walk a high narrow beam over rusted farm machinery and then discover who poisoned Granny Fairweather's pea soup. She has 5 days to find the culprit. Can she do it? Winner of an Agatha award for Best Children’s/Young Adult Novel.http://www.belgravehouse.com/bookstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=614The Younger Days by Mike Hays - In the beginning, Boy Smyth has a dull Missouri farm life and a burning desire to be an outlaw like his hero, Cole Younger. In the end, Boy Smyth has five dead bodies and two burning buildings at his farm and the most feared man in the United States crying outside his front gate. And that desire for the outlaw life? It's purged completely from his system. http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=408&category_id=60&keyword=the+younger+days&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Synopsis: Cicely has been in love with her best friend Ander for what seems like forever. What she doesn't know is that Ander's a werewolf, who likes her back but can't actually express his feelings without the risk of accidentally turning into a wolf. She also doesn't know that she's the last remaining descendant of a witch who cursed vampires with mortality, which they want taken away. The spell can only be removed if she is killed in a special ritual. However, the vampire who's sent to rescue her is the still-heart-broken guy who was her ancestor's old beau. He's decided to break her heart before breaking her body. So, after a failed first date with Ander (he never showed up and may have accidentally put her mom in the hospital) in comes Luke. Handsome, smart and knows lines from Romeo and Juliet. He's literally perfect-guy incarnate. He also happens to be stalking her. So, as halloween approaches, Cicely's going to have to face Hunters, vamps and even some growling wolves, not to mention two guys who like her who are in a constant state of arguing.

Review: This book was good in how it tackled the whole preexisting-monster thing. It's not Twilight 2.0 and it doesn't make vampires and werewolves hate each other (where did that even come from, Underworld?). The male leads have reasons to dislike the romantic rival. When it does introduce new concepts to the classic myths, it does it with more delicacy then a sparkly vampire. You saw the story from multiple points of view, instead of just one person, which really helped move the story forward. The side characters were just as interesting as the mains, not just resorting to stereotypes. Also, it mentions a blood bar (where the waitresses are the drinks) and that might have been my favorite part of the book. It might be a little fast-paced during the end but it promises some interesting twists and turns that you won't see coming.

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About Me

One day, about a year ago, two girls started a blog. It hasn't been updated i a while, but the one whose email it's connected to has been using this for commenting so her friends don't think she's a random creeper.
-Margo, otherwise known as Lemon